Johnny, surprised, kept his hand on the chips. "What I said," he answered, evenly.
"Tom!" yelled Dave. "He don't mean nothin'! He's a stranger down here."
Big Tom's scowl faded at the words. "I reckon I was hasty, Nelson," he said.
Johnny spoke slowly, his voice metallic "You was so hasty you come near never gettin' over it. Put down th' gun."
"I'm a mite touchy at——"
"If you has anythin' to say, put—down—that—gun."
"No offense?"
"For th' third time: Put—down—that—gun."
Big Tom shook his head and appeared to be genuinely sorry. He slid the gun back and picked up his chair. "You raised?"
"I did. I advise you to call—and end it."